Child Abuse Prevention
Children utilizing child care spend long periods of time with people outside of their immediate family circle. It is important for parents to understand the signs and symptoms of child abuse and also what to do if they suspect abuse of any kind. It’s also important for parents to understand appropriate behaviour and boundaries for those caring for our young people.
reporting child abuse
As a parent, you may encounter situations where you’ve witnessed, suspected, or had a child disclose child abuse to you. In any of these situations, you are legally obligated to report the findings of abuse to the proper authorities.
To report child abuse:
1-800-387-5437
If an unlicensed dayhome is involved also call:
1-844-644-5165
Unsure when to report or how?
WHEN A CHILD DISCLOSES ABUSE
- Stay calm and react without shock, disbelief, anger, judgement or fear
- Let the child tell you what happened in their own words
- Listen carefully without asking questions
- Acknowledge how the child is feeling. "It is okay to feel scared, angry and hurt."
- Comfort and support them. "You are brave for talking about this and it is right to tell someone."
ways of preventing abuse
- Teach children the proper names for all body parts.
- Surprises not secrets. Tell children that if anyone asks them to keep a secret they should come tell you.
- Be wary of anyone who wants consistent time alone with a child.
- Let children know that they have a voice and that they can say "do not touch me".
- Teach children that they can set boundaries and that they will be respected. If they do not want to give a hug even to mom or dad they do not have to.
Little Warriors Prevent It!
Embolden PDC is proud to support the Little Warriors Prevent It! Program.
Offered in person and online by Little Warriors, Prevent It! is an evidence-based educational workshop developed in conjunction with researchers at the University of Alberta.
Prevent It! educates and empowers adults to take action and help prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. The Prevent It! workshop offers hope to help prevent child sexual abuse.
Research has shown that adults who complete it become more supportive of children and begin using behaviours that are believed to reduce children’s vulnerability to sexual abuse.